Dear Parents and Caregivers

This coming weekend the Season of Advent will commence. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means a coming, approach, or arrival. In the Church, it refers to the period encompassing the four Sundays prior to Christmas. It is a time of penance, of turning away from sin and hopeful, joyous preparation for the coming of the Saviour.

This is what makes Advent special for Christians: the recognition that Christmas is not just “the birthday of Jesus,” but a celebration of his coming into our world today, here and now. How does he come into the world today? Jesus is “born”—becomes physically tangible—through the celebration of the sacraments. It is by eating the Eucharist, washing in the waters of Baptism, being anointed with the oil of Confirmation and so on, that Jesus’ friends become part of the living Body of Christ (the Church) in the world today. For Catholics, then, every celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments is like a little Christmas.

During Advent, Christians prepare for this here-and-now coming of Christ by remembering the long years during which Israel waited for the coming of the Messiah, and by looking forward to the final coming of Christ at the end of time. You will hear both themes reflected in the Church’s readings during Advent.

Here are a few simple and practical ways that you can prepare to fully celebrate Advent with your children. Remember, you don’t have to do it all - just choose a few practices to focus on, and see whether they work for your family.

1. Get or make an Advent wreath.
2. Set up a nativity scene (remember when you set it up, don’t put out the baby Jesus; save that until Christmas Eve).
3. Keep an Advent calendar.

Learning Update - Focus on Writing

Focus on Writing

Throughout Semester 1 and ongoing, our staff have been involved in a book study of The Writing Revolution - a guide to advancing thinking through writing in all subjects and grades. What we are learning is guiding our approach to the way we teach writing consistently across the school.

Sentence Combining and Sentence Expansion

Our students have been learning how to combine sentences and how to expand sentences to enhance their writing.

Stay tuned for more information in the next newsletter…..

Yours in partnership

Mr Anthony McElhone

Principal

Class Placements

Staff are currently working to develop class placements for Years 4-6 in 2024. Teachers across grades work together to make any necessary changes to class lists for the following year. Each class has a balance of academic, physical and social needs and these are created with each child in mind. As the teachers know the students best in the school environment, they are integral in developing the class lists.

If you wish to notify Mr McElhone regarding your child's placement, please email the school by no later than Friday, 1 December. Parents are encouraged to ensure any request focuses on the learning needs and/or wellbeing of their child. Whilst all requests will be considered it cannot be guaranteed they will be actioned.

Beginning of 2024

There will be two staff development days (30 January & 31 January) at the beginning of Term 1 in 2024. Students in Years 1-6 will start on Thursday, 1 February. Kindergarten will start on Wednesday, 7 February.

Change of Routine

Please remember to inform the office or your child's class teacher if there is going to be a change in routine. If a parent is running late please contact the school office. If you have organised for someone else to collect your child, please inform the office of this as soon as possible or write a note for your child's class teacher.

Save the Date!

• Wednesday 29th November: Christmas Concert 6 -7pm
• Whole School and Parish Thanksgiving Mass- Saturday 2 December at 5pm
• Friday 15th December: End of Year Assembly and Awards at 9:15am

First Holy Communion

Congratulations to all the children from all the children from our Parish who made their First Holy Communion last Sunday.  It was a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr Sean with beautiful music by Mrs Prentice and the wonderful singing from the liturgy group.

Thanksgiving Mass

We hope that all families can join us to celebrate our end of year “Thanksgiving Mass” on Saturday 2nd December at 5 pm. 

Renee McFayden

Religious Education Co-ordinator

Parish News

Kindergarten have written some great sentences!

It would be appreciated if parents/carers could respond to emails, requests for action, consent for events etc. as soon as possible. 

It is also helpful to advise if your child is not taking part in an event.

Thank you very much for your support. 

Contacting staff

• If you need to email a staff member, could you please use the email address:  info@stabdow.catholic.edu.au and your email will be directed to the relevant staff member for you.
• If you would like to make an appointment with a staff member (including the Principal and Assistant Principal) could you please contact the office to organise a convenient time.